hiv exposure, post exposure prophylaxis and rash

Nov 26, 2003

hello,
i'm a resident physician and was recently exposed to an HIV infected pt. i sustained a superficial laceration from trauma shears contaminated with dried blood that was several hours old but i started expanded pep nonetheless. 2 days after starting the meds (and my exposure), i developed a maculopapular, mildly pruritic rash on my forearms and in my groin. i'm concerned about this rash and whether it's possibly a drug rash (i'm taking combivir and viracept) or could it represent an early HIV rash? i appreciate your response.

Response from Dr. Henry

Most likely a drug rash but the situation is stressful (I have seen numerous drug rashes on situations like yours). KH

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